Imagine traveling to celebrate a friend’s wedding abroad, only to be targeted by a foreign agency for reasons that you’re still trying to figure out today. That’s exactly what happened to Paul Whelan, a veteran who was accused by Russia of spying and spent years imprisoned there.
On this episode of History of the Present, Brian Daitzman welcomes Whelan, who documents his time as a prisoner in Moscow under those false claims of suspicion of espionage.
Whelen describes feeling like a bargaining chip for Russia to negotiate with the U.S., and details the interrogations, poor living conditions and isolation. Now, he’s advocating for others as he explains the holes in the diplomatic process and the issues that arise when trying to get back to a life you once knew.
Check out the latest edition of History of the Present for more about Whelen’s harrowing ordeal.
